Walk Through Cullman's German Story
Guided walking tours led by the Cullman County Museum, Thursday through Sunday of Cullman Oktoberfest. Meet in front of the Cullman County Museum, the big yellow house right inside the festival.
Tap to See the Schedule ↓
Cullman Oktoberfest isn't a themed party. It's a celebration of a real place with a real German story, and the best way to understand it is to walk it. This year, the Cullman County Museum is leading six guided tours across all four festival days, from a candlelit evening stroll to a look at some of the finest stained glass in the South.
Stories of Colonel John G. Cullmann and the German immigrants who built this town, old photographs, hidden local spots, and plenty of room to bring the whole family.
Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Time | Tour | Distance | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thurs, Oct 1 | 7 PM | Candlelight Walking Tour | About 1.2 miles | About 1 hour |
| Fri, Oct 2 | 1 PM | Prost to the Past | About ½ mile | About 30 minutes |
| Fri, Oct 2 | 6 PM | Locals and Legends | About ½ mile | About 30 minutes |
| Sat, Oct 3 | 10 AM | Prost to the Past | About ½ mile | About 30 minutes |
| Sat, Oct 3 | 6 PM | Locals and Legends | About ½ mile | About 30 minutes |
| Sun, Oct 4 | 3 PM | Sermons in Glass | About 0.7 miles | About 1 hour |
The Tours
Candlelight Walking Tour
Thursday, October 1 at 7 PM | About 1.2 miles along 1st Avenue SE and 2nd Avenue SE | About 1 hour
Cullman Twilight: A Candlelight Walk Through Cullman Stories
Now in its 17th year, the Candlelight Walking Tour invites you to step into the past under the soft glow of twilight. Wander along 1st Avenue SE and 2nd Avenue SE and uncover the stories of Cullman's German founding and the heritage that laid the groundwork for Oktoberfest. Guided by candlelight and glow sticks, you'll trace the footprints of early pioneers and learn how their customs, architecture, and community spirit still shape the city we celebrate today.
Best for: history lovers, and anyone who wants an atmospheric evening on opening night. Limited spots, first come, first served.
Prost to the Past
Friday, October 2 at 1 PM and Saturday, October 3 at 10 AM | About ½ mile along 1st Avenue SE | About 30 minutes
This easy stroll takes you straight down 1st Avenue SE for a fascinating look at Cullman. Discover the story of Colonel John G. Cullmann and the wave of German immigrants who shaped the city's founding. From historic architecture to lasting local traditions, this tour highlights the deep-rooted German culture that still defines our community. Raise a glass to history and see Cullman through the eyes of its pioneers.
Best for: first-timers, families, and anyone who wants a short, easy introduction. Limited spots, first come, first served.
Prost to the Past
Friday, October 2 at 1 PM and Saturday, October 3 at 10 AM | About ½ mile along 1st Avenue SE | About 30 minutes
This easy stroll takes you straight down 1st Avenue SE for a fascinating look at Cullman. Discover the story of Colonel John G. Cullmann and the wave of German immigrants who shaped the city's founding. From historic architecture to lasting local traditions, this tour highlights the deep-rooted German culture that still defines our community. Raise a glass to history and see Cullman through the eyes of its pioneers.
Best for: first-timers, families, and anyone who wants a short, easy introduction. Limited spots, first come, first served.
Sermons in Glass
Sunday, October 4 at 3 PM | About 0.7 miles along 2nd Avenue SE | About 1 hour
Learn the histories of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. John's Evangelical Protestant Church. The crown jewels of this tour are the magnificent, world-class stained-glass windows crafted by the renowned Von Gerichten Art Glass Company. You'll discover how Theodore Von Gerichten helped bridge local artistry with global renown, from St. John's stunning windows made in Columbus, Ohio, to Sacred Heart's breathtaking masterpieces imported directly from Von Gerichten's Munich, Germany studio.
Best for: art and architecture lovers, and a quiet, beautiful way to close out the festival. Limited spots, first come, first served.
Good to Know
- Where to meet: In front of the Cullman County Museum, 211 2nd Avenue NE. Look for the big yellow house inside the festival. The meeting spot is marked on the festival map.
- What to wear: Festival attire is welcome. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea.
- Bring along: Strollers, wagons, dogs, food, and drinks are all welcome on the tours. [PLACEHOLDER: confirm drink policy applies to festival beverages along the full route]
- Weather: Tours run rain or shine. If it's drizzling, bring an umbrella. Only severe weather will cause a cancellation. Check Oktoberfest social media for any weather related announcements.
- Accessibility: Tour path is road surfaces, curbs, and sidewalks with limited seating along each route, especially the 1.2 mile Candlelight Walking Tour.
- Questions? Contact the Cullman County Museum at (256) 739-1258 or visit cullmancountymuseum.com.
FAQ
Do I need to sign up for a walking tour? No online registration is needed. Tours are first come, first served, so just meet your guide in front of the Cullman County Museum. Spots are limited and don't usually fill up, but arriving early is smart.
Are the walking tours free? Yes, walking tours are free. Donations to the Museum are encouraged and greatly appreciated. Festival admission itself is always free.
Where do the walking tours start? All tours meet in front of the Cullman County Museum, 211 2nd Avenue NE, the big yellow house inside the festival, across the street from Cullman City Hall.
How long are the walking tours? Prost to the Past and Locals and Legends take about 30 minutes each. The Candlelight Walking Tour and Sermons in Glass take about an hour.
Which walking tour should I take if I only have time for one? For a quick, easy introduction to Cullman's German story, choose Prost to the Past. For the most atmospheric experience, choose Thursday's Candlelight Walking Tour. For local secrets and hidden gems, choose Locals and Legends. For architecture and art, choose Sermons in Glass.
What is the Candlelight Walking Tour? It's a 17th annual evening walk through downtown Cullman led by the Cullman County Museum, lit by candlelight and glow sticks, covering the city's German founding and heritage. It runs Thursday, October 1 at 7 PM and covers about 1.2 miles.
Are the tours stroller and kid friendly? Yes. Strollers and wagons are welcome on all tours. Prost to the Past is the shortest and easiest option for young kids, at about ½ mile and 30 minutes.
Can I bring my dog on a walking tour? Yes, dogs are welcome on the tours, but no permitted inside buildings.
Can I bring food and drinks on the tour? Yes, food and drinks are allowed on the tours.
What happens if it rains? The tours go on in light rain, so bring an umbrella. Only severe weather will cause a cancellation. Check Oktoberfest social media for any weather related announcements.
Are the walking tours wheelchair accessible? Yes, the routes are accessible via sidewalks. Please consider the route length and changes in sidewalk/street surfaces as you journey through downtown.
Can we go inside the churches on the Sermons in Glass tour? Your guide can answer questions about interior access on the day of the tour. Most church's do plan on welcoming tour groups. Festival attire is fine.
What is the story behind Cullman's German heritage? Cullman was founded in 1873 as a German colony by Colonel John G. Cullmann, and the tours explore his story, the immigrants who followed him, and the architecture and traditions they left behind.
Who leads the walking tours? The tours are facilitated by the Cullman County Museum. Locals and Legends also features community leaders sharing their own stories along the route.
Do the tours run all four days of Oktoberfest? Yes. There's a tour on every festival day: Thursday evening, twice on Friday, twice on Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.
Ready to Walk?
Meet in front of the Cullman County Museum and step into Cullman's German story.
